Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gavin Newsom
Discover the career path of Gavin Newsom, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the 40th governor of California since 2019. A Democrat, he previously held the position of the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California from 2011 to 2019. Prior to his statewide roles, Newsom was the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, serving from 2004 to 2011. His career reflects a progression through local and state-level political offices in California.
1978: Cost of Executions
In 2012, Newsom cited statistics that California had spent $5 billion since 1978 to execute just 13 people.
May 14, 1991: Formation of PlumpJack Associates L.P.
On May 14, 1991, Gavin Newsom and his investors created the company PlumpJack Associates L.P., marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial ventures.
1992: Founding of PlumpJack Winery
In 1992, Gavin Newsom started the PlumpJack Winery with financial assistance from family friend Gordon Getty, marking his entry into the wine industry.
1993: Opening of PlumpJack Cafe
In 1993, PlumpJack Cafe Partners L.P. opened the PlumpJack Café on Fillmore Street, adding to Gavin Newsom's growing business ventures.
1994: Opening of PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn
In 1994, the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn with a PlumpJack Café opened, contributing to the growth of Gavin Newsom's business portfolio.
1995: Volunteer for Willie Brown's Mayoral Campaign
In 1995, Gavin Newsom volunteered for Willie Brown's successful campaign for mayor, marking his first political experience.
1995: Expansion of PlumpJack Business
In 1995, Newsom and his investors expanded their business to include a winery in Napa Valley and the Balboa Café Bar and Grill, further diversifying his business interests.
1996: Appointment to Parking and Traffic Commission
In 1996, Gavin Newsom began his political career when San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission.
1996: Formation of PlumpJack Development Fund L.P.
In 1996, the PlumpJack Development Fund L.P. was established, indicating the continued expansion and investment in Gavin Newsom's business ventures.
1997: Appointment to San Francisco Board of Supervisors
In 1997, Gavin Newsom was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors seat vacated by Kevin Shelley, becoming the youngest member of the board at the time.
1998: Elected to a Full Term on the Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was elected to a full four-year term to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
1998: First Election to Board of Supervisors
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, marking a significant step in his political career.
1998: Endorsement by Rescue Muni
In 1998, Gavin Newsom was one of two supervisors endorsed by Rescue Muni, a transit riders group, in his reelection bid.
1998: Opening of MatrixFillmore Bar
In 1998, the MatrixFillmore Bar opened, adding to Gavin Newsom's portfolio of businesses.
November 1999: Approval of Transit Measure
In November 1999, voters approved a version of a ballot measure sponsored by Gavin Newsom and Rescue Muni, aimed at reforming the city's municipal railway (Muni).
1999: Opening of PlumpJack Wines shop Noe Valley branch
In 1999, Gavin Newsom's PlumpJack Wines shop opened a branch in Noe Valley, expanding its retail presence.
2000: Expansion of PlumpJack Businesses
By 2000, Gavin Newsom and his investors had expanded their business ventures to include PlumpJackSport retail clothing and a second Balboa Café at Squaw Valley, showcasing the growth of his enterprise.
2000: Contribution to Republican Slate Mailer
In 2000, Gavin Newsom faced attacks during his mayoral campaign for contributing $500 to a Republican slate mailer that endorsed issues he supported.
2000: Re-election to Board of Supervisors and Republican Party Endorsement
In 2000, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors and paid $500 to appear on the San Francisco Republican Party's endorsement slate.
2001: Newsom's Income
From 1996 to 2001, Gavin Newsom's annual income was greater than $429,000.
2002: Re-election to Board of Supervisors
In 2002, Gavin Newsom was re-elected to represent the second district on the Board of Supervisors.
2002: Newsom's business holdings valued at more than $6.9 million.
In 2002, Gavin Newsom's business holdings were valued at more than $6.9 million, highlighting his success as an entrepreneur.
November 4, 2003: First Place in General Election
On November 4, 2003, Gavin Newsom placed first in the general election for mayor in a nine-person field, receiving 41.9% of the vote.
2003: Contender for Mayorship
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was a leading contender for the mayorship, with his Care Not Cash initiative having raised his political profile and provided crucial campaign resources.
2003: Election as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2003, Gavin Newsom was elected as the mayor of San Francisco, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
January 8, 2004: Swearing-in as Mayor
On January 8, 2004, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as mayor of San Francisco, promising unity and addressing issues such as public schools, potholes, and affordable housing.
July 1, 2004: Care Not Cash Implementation
On July 1, 2004, Gavin Newsom's initiative 'Care Not Cash' began implementation, providing permanent shelter for 5,000 homeless individuals in San Francisco.
October 27, 2004: Hotel Workers Strike Support
On October 27, 2004, Gavin Newsom joined UNITE HERE union members on a picket line in front of the Westin St. Francis Hotel during a strike by hotel workers. He pledged the city would boycott the hotels until they reached an agreement with workers.
2004: Sale of San Francisco Businesses
In 2004, Gavin Newsom sold his share of his San Francisco businesses when he became mayor, a move to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
2005: Dog Breed Restriction Law
In 2005, Newsom advocated for a state law that would allow California communities to establish policies restricting certain breeds of dogs.
September 2006: Contract Dispute Settlement
In September 2006, the contract dispute between hotel workers and a dozen San Francisco hotels, which led to Newsom's boycott pledge, was settled.
August 10, 2007: Filing Deadline for Mayoral Election
On August 10, 2007, as the filing deadline passed, discussions shifted to Gavin Newsom's second term as mayor of San Francisco, with talk about his challengers in the upcoming election.
August 2007: Newsom Faces No Serious Threat
In August 2007, The San Francisco Chronicle declared that Gavin Newsom faced no "serious threat to his re-election bid", as he had raised $1.6 million for his campaign.
2007: Permanent Housing Initiative
By 2007, approximately 2,000 homeless individuals had been placed into permanent housing with support, as part of Newsom's initiative to end chronic homelessness.
2007: Income from Business Interests
In 2007, Gavin Newsom earned between $141,000 and $251,000 from his business interests, even while serving as mayor.
2007: Re-election as Mayor of San Francisco
In 2007, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the mayor of San Francisco, securing a second term in office.
2007: Healthy San Francisco Establishment
In 2007, Newsom signed the law establishing Healthy San Francisco, making San Francisco the first city in the nation to provide universal health care to its residents.
2008: Leadership for Healthy Communities Award
In 2008, Newsom received the Leadership for Healthy Communities Award for his dedication to making healthy food and physical activity options more accessible to children and families. He also hosted the Urban-Rural Roundtable in 2008 to promote regional food development and access to healthy, affordable food.
2008: Evaluation of Care Not Cash Program
In 2008, a city audit evaluated Gavin Newsom's Care Not Cash program as largely successful, noting a reduction in average cash payments and the number of recipients.
April 21, 2009: Gubernatorial Candidacy Announcement
On April 21, 2009, Gavin Newsom announced his candidacy for governor of California in the 2010 election.
February 2010: Lieutenant Governor Candidacy Filing
In February 2010, Newsom filed initial paperwork to run for lieutenant governor.
2010: Gubernatorial Race Dropout
In 2010, Gavin Newsom dropped out of the gubernatorial race due to low poll numbers and instead ran for lieutenant governor.
2010: Election as Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2010, Gavin Newsom was elected as the lieutenant governor of California, further advancing his political career on a state level.
January 10, 2011: Lieutenant Governor Swearing-In
On January 10, 2011, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the lieutenant governor of California, serving under Governor Jerry Brown.
2011: Newsom completes service as mayor
In 2011, Gavin Newsom completed his service as mayor of San Francisco.
May 2012: The Gavin Newsom Show and Sacramento Comments
In May 2012, Gavin Newsom began hosting The Gavin Newsom Show on Current TV. The same month, he drew criticism for calling Sacramento "dull" and saying he was only there once a week.
2012: Hosting "The Gavin Newsom Show"
From 2012 to 2013, Gavin Newsom hosted "The Gavin Newsom Show", expanding his presence into media and public engagement.
2012: Failed Measure to End Capital Punishment
In 2012, Newsom supported a failed measure in California that sought to end capital punishment, arguing it would save the state millions of dollars.
February 7, 2013: Citizenville Book Release
On February 7, 2013, Gavin Newsom released his first book, Citizenville: How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government. The book discusses the Gov 2.0 movement.
2013: Writing "Citizenville"
In 2013, Gavin Newsom wrote the book "Citizenville", which focused on leveraging digital tools for democratic change, demonstrating his interest in innovation and technology in governance.
2013: Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy Convened
In 2013, Newsom convened the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy with the American Civil Liberties Union of California.
November 4, 2014: Lieutenant Governor Re-election
On November 4, 2014, Gavin Newsom was reelected as lieutenant governor, defeating Republican Ron Nehring.
2014: California and Israel Inked Together
In 2014, California and Israel inked together a memorandum of understanding.
2014: Re-election as Lieutenant Governor of California
In 2014, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the lieutenant governor of California, securing a second term in the role.
January 5, 2015: Second Term as Lieutenant Governor Begins
On January 5, 2015, Gavin Newsom's second term as lieutenant governor began.
February 11, 2015: Gubernatorial Campaign Account Opening
On February 11, 2015, Newsom announced that he was opening a campaign account for governor in the 2018 elections.
July 2015: Marijuana Policy Report Release
In July 2015, Newsom released the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy's final report, which he had convened with the American Civil Liberties Union of California in 2013.
November 2015: California College Promise Proposal
In November 2015, Newsom joined Long Beach City College Superintendent Eloy Oakley in an op-ed calling for the creation of the California College Promise, a free community college education program.
December 2015: Call to Reclassify Computer Science Courses
In December 2015, Newsom called on the University of California to reclassify computer science courses as a core academic class to incentivize more high schools to offer computer science curricula.
2015: Digital Democracy Launch
In 2015, Newsom partnered with the Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy at California Polytechnic State University to launch Digital Democracy, an online tool that uses facial and voice recognition to navigate California legislative proceedings.
June 2016: Funding Secured for Promise Programs
In June 2016, Newsom helped secure $15 million in the state budget to support the creation of promise programs throughout California.
September 2016: Computer Science Education Expansion Legislation
In September 2016, legislation sponsored by Newsom and signed by Governor Brown began the planning process for expanding computer science education to all state students, starting as early as kindergarten.
November 2016: Proposition 64 Support and Passage
In November 2016, Newsom supported Proposition 64, a measure that legalized cannabis use and cultivation for California state residents who are 21 or older.
2016: University of California Athletics Reforms
In 2016, Newsom passed a series of reforms at the University of California to give student-athletes additional academic and injury-related support, ensuring contracts for athletic directors and coaches emphasized academic progress.
2016: Proposition 62 Support
In 2016, Newsom supported Proposition 62, which would have repealed the death penalty in California. He argued that the death penalty was immoral and did not deter crime; however, Proposition 62 failed.
2016: Official Proponent of Proposition 63
In 2016, as lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom was the official proponent of Proposition 63, a ballot measure requiring background checks and California Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition.
February 24, 2017: Response to Federal Enforcement on Cannabis
On February 24, 2017, Newsom sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Donald Trump, urging them not to increase federal enforcement against recreational cannabis firms opening in California. He also distinguished cannabis from opioids.
June 5, 2018: Primary Election Success
On June 5, 2018, Newsom finished in the top two in the nonpartisan blanket primary for the California gubernatorial election.
2018: Pledge to Tighten Oversight of Fracking
During his 2018 campaign, Gavin Newsom pledged to tighten state oversight of fracking and oil extraction in California.
2018: Election as Governor of California
In 2018, Gavin Newsom was elected as the governor of California, achieving the state's highest political office.
2018: Previous Election
In 2018, Newsom's margin of victory in his re-election was better than in 2022.
2018: Expedited Pardon Reviews for Deportation Cases
In 2018, a California law mandated expedited review of pardon requests from people facing deportation.
January 7, 2019: Gubernatorial Swearing-In
On January 7, 2019, Gavin Newsom was sworn in as the governor of California.
January 2019: Threat to Withhold State Funding
In late January 2019, Gavin Newsom announced that he would sue Huntington Beach for preventing the construction of affordable housing and threatened to withhold state funding for infrastructure to communities that failed to take actions to alleviate California's housing shortage.
February 2019: State of the State Address
In his February 2019 State of the State address, Gavin Newsom announced that work would continue on the Central Valley segment of the high-speed rail project from Bakersfield to Merced, but the rest of the system would be indefinitely postponed due to cost overruns and delays, creating tension with the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California.
March 13, 2019: Moratorium on Death Penalty
On March 13, 2019, Newsom declared a moratorium on California's death penalty, preventing executions while he remained governor and closing the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison.
May 2019: Pardons for Formerly Incarcerated People
In May 2019, Newsom pardoned seven formerly incarcerated people, including two Cambodian refugees facing deportation, in his first acts of clemency as governor.
June 2019: Apology for Native American Genocide
In June 2019, Gavin Newsom apologized to California's Native American community for the genocide approved and abetted by the state government in the 19th century, acknowledging the killing of at least 4,500 Native Californians between 1849 and 1870.
June 2019: Expanded Medi-Cal Eligibility to Undocumented Young Adults
In June 2019, the California budget passed expanded eligibility for Medi-Cal from solely undocumented minor children to undocumented young adults from ages 19 to 25.
August 2019: Apology to Jewish Community
In August 2019, Gavin Newsom unconditionally apologized to California's Jewish community for a controversial ethnic studies draft curriculum that omitted the experience of Jews in America and sometimes criticized Israel.
September 2019: Signed the Wildlife Protection Act
In September 2019, Gavin Newsom signed the Wildlife Protection Act, which prohibited commercial and recreational fur trapping in California.
September 2019: Veto of SB 1
In September 2019, Newsom vetoed SB 1, which would have preserved environmental protections at the state level that were set to roll back nationally under the Trump administration's environmental policy.
October 2019: Signed Legislation Prohibiting Fur Products and Banning Bobcat Hunting
In October 2019, Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of new fur products in California, as well as legislation banning bobcat hunting, ending the use of most animals in circuses, and strengthening Proposition 6's prohibition on horse meat and horse slaughter.
November 2019: Moratorium on Hydraulic Fracturing
In November 2019, Gavin Newsom imposed a moratorium on approval of new hydraulic fracturing and steam-injected oil drilling in California. This was pending a review of the permits for those projects by an independent panel of scientists.
November 2019: Pardons for Men Facing Deportation
In November 2019, Newsom pardoned three men who were attempting to avoid being deported to Cambodia or Vietnam after committing crimes at age 19.
December 2019: Parole Granted to Cambodian Refugee
In December 2019, Newsom granted parole to a Cambodian refugee held in a California prison due to a murder case, though the refugee was turned over for possible deportation upon release.
2019: Vetoes Legislation
From 2019 to 2021, Gavin Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average.
2019: Newsom allocates funds to combat antisemitism
In 2019, Gavin Newsom took steps to combat antisemitism by allocating $15 million for synagogue security, $6 million for the Holocaust Museum LA, and $23.5 million for Jewish summer camps affected by wildfires.
2019: UN Climate Action Summit
In 2019, Newsom attended the UN Climate Action Summit, speaking of California as a climate leader.
2019: Called for Nationwide Background Checks on Ammunition Purchases
In 2019, in response to the mass shooting in Virginia Beach and the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting, Gavin Newsom called for nationwide background checks on people purchasing ammunition and expressed support for controlling "weapons of goddamned mass destruction".
February 2020: Lawsuit over Environmental Rollbacks
In February 2020, the Newsom administration sued federal agencies over the rollbacks to protect imperiled fish in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta in 2019.
March 4, 2020: State of Emergency Declared for COVID-19
On March 4, 2020, Newsom declared a state of emergency after the first COVID-19 death in California, aiming to prepare for and contain the spread, which allowed state agencies to procure equipment, share patient information, alleviate restrictions, and prioritize mitigation policies for the homeless.
April 2020: Resumption of Hydraulic Fracturing Permits
In April 2020, state agencies in California resumed issuing new hydraulic fracturing permits after a moratorium put in place in November 2019.
August 2020: Address at Democratic National Convention
In August 2020, Newsom addressed the 2020 Democratic National Convention, mentioning climate change and the wildfires prevalent in California at the time.
September 2020: Transgender Inmate Housing Bill
In September 2020, Newsom signed a bill allowing California transgender inmates to be placed in prisons corresponding with their gender identity, subject to management and security concerns, leading to a lawsuit by the Women's Liberation Front.
September 23, 2020: Executive Order on Zero-Emission Vehicles
On September 23, 2020, Newsom signed an executive order to phase out sales of gasoline-powered vehicles and require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035.
2020: Used Larger Than Normal Number of Executive Orders
During the 2020 legislative session, Gavin Newsom used a larger than normal number of executive orders.
2020: Appointments After Kamala Harris Election
In 2020, after Kamala Harris was elected Vice President, Newsom appointed Alex Padilla as U.S. Senator, Shirley Weber as Secretary of State, and Rob Bonta as Attorney General.
February 2021: Julie Su Appointment
In February 2021, Julie Su, the California Labor Secretary and a Newsom appointee, was appointed as deputy secretary of labor by President Joe Biden.
April 2021: Commitment to End Gas Lease Sales and Oil Extraction
In April 2021, Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 and ending oil extraction by 2045 in California.
June 10, 2021: Newsom Criticizes Judge After Assault Weapons Ban Struck Down
On June 10, 2021, Gavin Newsom criticized federal Judge Roger Benitez after Benitez struck down California's statewide ban on assault weapons, and proposed legislation to empower private citizens to enforce the ban.
September 14, 2021: Recall Election Result
On September 14, 2021, the recall election was held, and only 38% voted to recall Newsom, allowing him to remain in office.
September 2021: Police Reform Legislation Signed
In September 2021, Newsom signed legislation raising the minimum age to become a police officer, restricting tear gas use, banning employment of officers after misconduct, and requiring officers to intervene against excessive force, which included the George Floyd Bill.
October 2021: Proposed Buffer Between Fossil Fuel Extraction and Populated Areas
In October 2021, Gavin Newsom proposed a 3,200-foot (980 m) buffer between new fossil fuel extraction sites and densely populated areas in California.
December 2021: Announced Intention to Make California a Sanctuary for Abortion
In December 2021, Gavin Newsom announced his intention to make California a "sanctuary" for abortion, possibly paying for procedures, travel, and lodging for out-of-state abortion seekers.
2021: Vetoes Legislation
From 2019 to 2021, Gavin Newsom vetoed 12.7% of the bills the legislature passed on average. The rate declined over the course of the three legislative sessions.
2021: Easing Housing Zoning Regulations
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills into law that made zoning regulations for housing less restrictive, allowing construction of duplexes and fourplexes in lots previously zoned exclusively for single-family homes. He also signed a bill expediting environmental review for multifamily developments worth at least $15,000,000.
2021: Signed Legislation Expanding Medi-Cal Eligibility
In 2021, Gavin Newsom signed legislation expanding Medi-Cal eligibility to undocumented residents over age 50 in California.
January 13, 2022: Denial of Parole for Sirhan Sirhan
On January 13, 2022, Newsom denied parole to Sirhan Sirhan, Robert F. Kennedy's assassin, despite a parole board recommendation, citing Sirhan's lack of insight into his crime.
January 2022: Dismantling Death Row
In January 2022, Newsom directed California to begin dismantling its death row in San Quentin, transforming it into a "space for rehabilitation programs."
March 2022: Signed Bill Requiring Full Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Plans
In March 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring private health insurance plans in California to fully cover abortion procedures by eliminating co-pays and deductibles and increasing insurance premiums.
June 30, 2022: Signed $307.9 Billion State Budget
On June 30, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed a $307.9 billion state budget that pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) by 2024, regardless of immigration status.
July 6, 2022: Signed Bill Establishing Office of Health Care Affordability
On July 6, 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 184, which established the Office of Health Care Affordability, aimed at containing health care costs through data-informed policies and enforceable cost targets.
September 2022: Proposed Windfall Profits Tax and Penalty for Oil Companies
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom proposed a windfall profits tax and penalty for oil companies in response to high gas prices in California.
September 2022: California: A Sanctuary State for Transgender Youth
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 107 into law, making California the first sanctuary state for transgender youth.
September 2022: Signed Legislation Banning Animal Testing of Pesticides
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom signed legislation that banned animal testing of pesticides and other chemical substances on dogs and cats in California.
September 2022: No Presidential Run in 2024
In September 2022, Gavin Newsom stated that he would not run for president in 2024, citing his "vulnerable" 2021 recall.
2022: Signing Bills to Address Housing Crisis
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed 39 bills into law aimed at addressing California's housing crisis, including land use reforms like eliminating minimum parking requirements near mass transit and allowing housing development on commercially zoned lots. He also warned local governments against obstructing housing developments.
2022: Signed Gun Control Bills
In 2022, Gavin Newsom signed gun control bills passed by the California Legislature, including Assembly Bill 1621, which restricts privately made firearms, and Assembly Bill 2571, which prohibited the marketing of firearms such as the JR-15 to children, and Senate Bill 1327, a law enabling private citizens to sue anyone who imports, distributes, manufactures or sells illegal firearms in California.
2022: Re-election as Governor of California
In 2022, Gavin Newsom was re-elected as the governor of California, securing a second term despite facing earlier challenges.
2022: Re-election to second term
In 2022, Newsom was elected to a second term, defeating Republican state senator Brian Dahle with 59.2% of the vote, though with a smaller margin of victory than in 2018.
February 2023: Organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance
In February 2023, Gavin Newsom organized the Reproductive Freedom Alliance of state governors supportive of abortion and reproductive rights.
March 2023: Newsom Announces California Will Cut Ties with Walgreens
In March 2023, after Walgreens announced it would not dispense abortion pills in states where it is illegal, Gavin Newsom announced that California would cut ties with Walgreens and determine how to cancel their contracts, including a $54 million contract with the state prison system.
March 28, 2023: Signed Law Authorizing Financial Penalties for Oil Companies
On March 28, 2023, Gavin Newsom signed a law in California that authorizes the California Energy Commission to set a profit threshold for oil companies and assess financial penalties above that threshold. It also requires petroleum companies to report additional profit data and creates a division to investigate price gouging.
April 2023: Discussion of Newsom's Inevitable Presidential Run
In April 2023, an article published in The Hill by journalist Sharon Udasin also discussed the inevitability of a Gavin Newsom presidential run.
April 25, 2023: Endorsement of Biden's Reelection
On April 25, 2023, Gavin Newsom endorsed President Biden's reelection campaign after informing White House staff he would not challenge Biden in the Democratic primaries.
May 2023: Schwarzenegger Comments on Presidential Run
In May 2023, Schwarzenegger said it was a "no-brainer" that Gavin Newsom would someday run for president.
June 8, 2023: Proposed 28th Amendment to U.S. Constitution
On June 8, 2023, Gavin Newsom proposed a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to raise the age to buy firearms to 21, institute universal background checks for gun purchases, mandate waiting periods and ban assault weapons for civilians. The proposal faced criticism for potentially opening the door to a complete rewrite of the Constitution.
June 2023: Voter Poll on Newsom Entering 2024 Election
According to a June 2023 poll by NewsNation, 22% of California voters wanted Gavin Newsom to enter the 2024 presidential election.
June 2023: Pride Month Proclamation and Curriculum Fine
In June 2023, Gavin Newsom issued an official state proclamation for Pride Month, and fined a school district $1.5 million for rejecting a curriculum including a biography of gay rights leader Harvey Milk.
September 2023: Appointment of Laphonza Butler to the Senate
In September 2023, Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate seat after Dianne Feinstein's death, fulfilling a promise to appoint a Black woman if the seat became vacant.
October 2023: Trip to China
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom traveled to China, including stops in Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Shanghai. He met with President Xi Jinping to discuss climate change, trade relations, and fentanyl production. The trip drew criticism over human rights concerns.
October 2023: Vetoing Caste Discrimination Ban
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that sought to ban discrimination based on caste, stating it was "unnecessary" due to existing protections against discrimination based on other characteristics. The veto was applauded by Hindu rights organizations but criticized by advocates for marginalized castes.
October 2023: Vetoing Labor Protection Bills
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have provided unemployment insurance to striking workers, citing the burden on the state's system. He also vetoed a bill to expand layoff protections for employees and restrict nondisclosure agreements.
October 2023: Vetoed Bill to Cap Insulin Co-Pays
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill to cap co-pays for insulin at $35 in California.
October 2023: Vetoing Housing Assistance Bills
In October 2023, Gavin Newsom vetoed several bills intended to expand access to housing assistance, including measures to repurpose state-owned land for affordable housing, expand eligibility for state housing assistance, and mandate that Medi-Cal cover housing assistance costs.
October 20, 2023: Visit to Israel
On October 20, 2023, Gavin Newsom visited Israel to express solidarity during the Gaza war, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and survivors of the October 7 attacks.
November 2023: Debate with Ron DeSantis
In November 2023, Gavin Newsom and Florida governor Ron DeSantis debated, moderated by Fox News's Sean Hannity.
2023: California's Fur Sales Ban Becomes Effective
In 2023, California's fur sales ban became effective, making California the first state to ban new fur sales.
2023: Launching Campaign for Democracy PAC
In 2023, Gavin Newsom launched Campaign for Democracy, a PAC aimed at challenging "authoritarian leaders" in the U.S., seen as a potential starting point for a 2028 presidential bid.
July 2024: Campaign for Democracy Fundraising
As of July 2024, Gavin Newsom's Campaign for Democracy has raised $24 million for direct contributions to candidates and other spending, operating without contribution limits as long as Newsom is not a candidate for federal office.
July 2024: Podcast Launch and Harris Endorsement
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom launched a podcast, Politickin', and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president after Biden's withdrawal from the race.
July 2024: Signing the "SAFETY Act"
In July 2024, Gavin Newsom signed the "SAFETY Act", which prohibits schools from outing students' gender identity to their parents without the students' consent.
August 2024: Warning to Counties on Homeless Encampments
In August 2024, Gavin Newsom warned counties that did not remove their homeless encampments that failure to do so would result in their state funding being cut off the next year. He issued this warning after personally visiting and clearing out a Los Angeles homeless encampment without notifying the city beforehand.
September 2024: Signed Legislation Prohibiting Octopus Farming
In September 2024, Gavin Newsom signed legislation in California prohibiting the commercial farming of octopuses. The law recognizes octopuses as intelligent animals capable of feeling pain.
October 2024: Signing the "California Racial Mascots Act"
In October 2024, Gavin Newsom signed AB 3074, the "California Racial Mascots Act", prohibiting K-12 schools not run by recognized Native American tribes from using "derogatory" names or mascots.
December 2024: Criticism of Biden's Pardon
In December 2024, Gavin Newsom criticized President Biden for pardoning his son Hunter Biden, expressing disappointment.
2024: Response to Trump's Election
After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Gavin Newsom called for California lawmakers to convene to safeguard California's policies from the upcoming Trump administration.
2024: Target Year for Ending Gas Lease Sales
Gavin Newsom committed to ending the sale of gas leases by 2024 in California.
2024: Veto of Farmworker Heat Illness Bill
In 2024, Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 1299, a bill that would have required workers' compensation judges to presume farmworkers' heat illness developed at work.
2024: Commitment to Appoint Black Woman to Senate
In 2024, Newsom stated he would appoint a Black woman to replace Dianne Feinstein if she were to retire from the Senate or die before her term ended.
2024: Presidential Election
Many journalists and political analysts have mentioned Gavin Newsom as a presidential hopeful.
2024: Target Year for Universal Healthcare
The budget signed on June 30, 2022, pledges to make all low-income adults eligible for the state's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) by 2024, regardless of immigration status.
June 2025: Signed California Assembly Bill 130 into Law
In June 2025, Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 130 (2025) into law.
August 2025: Approval of California Proposition 50
In August 2025, Gavin Newsom secured legislative approval of California Proposition 50. In November, voters will vote on a state constitutional amendment to allow congressional redistricting.
August 2025: Announcement of the Election Rigging Response Act
In August 2025, Gavin Newsom's widely publicized Election Rigging Response Act has been seen by many commentators as a soft launch of a presidential run. In August 2025, Newsom started communicating on social media platforms in a style intended to mimic President Trump's communications.
2025: Restricted New Enrollment of Undocumented Immigrants in Medi-Cal
In 2025, Gavin Newsom signed a budget that restricted new enrollment of undocumented immigrants in Medi-Cal in California.
2025: Hosting "This is Gavin Newsom" podcast
Since 2025, Gavin Newsom has hosted the podcast "This is Gavin Newsom", furthering his engagement with the public through new media.
2028: Potential 2028 Presidential Bid
Campaign for Democracy, is thought to be a starting point for Gavin Newsoms possible 2028 presidential bid.
2028: Adjusting Political Approach
In anticipation of a potential 2028 presidential campaign, Gavin Newsom has adjusted his political approach to appeal to a broader electorate.
2035: Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate
In 2035, Newsom signed an executive order to require all new passenger vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emission.
2045: Target Year for Ending Oil Extraction
Gavin Newsom committed to ending oil extraction by 2045 in California.
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